Music is literally the soundtrack of our lives – and music can be incredibly healing when used in the right way. In this episode of But For Real, Valerie and Emerson dive into the ins and outs of music therapy, how and why it works, and how you can start your own music therapy journey.

This episode covers:

• 04:12 - Tea & Crumpets: Virginia Giuffre’s memoir: Nobody’s Girl + Take Back Your Marriage by Bill Doherty
• 09:47 - Step Into My Office: Could music therapy be right for me, even if I’m not “musical”?
• 15:03 - The DSM: What Even Is Music Therapy?
• 40:02 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!
• 43:34 - Val Pick: "Does Not Suffice" by Joanna Newsom
• 46:40 - Em Pick: "29" by Demi Lovato
• 47:11 - Wait...What? Is this gonna ruin the tour?
• 49:01 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: Fishing as an option for mental health treatment + A stray dog that turned into a service dog has just been crowned the 2025 Hero Dog Award by the American Humane Society!

Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

• Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre
• Take Back Your Marriage by Bill Doherty
• American Music Therapy Association
• How to find a certified MT-BC
• Does Not Suffice by Joanna Newsom
• 29 by Demi Lovato
• Fishing as an option for mental health treatment
• A stray dog that turned into a service dog has just been crowned the 2025 Hero Dog Award by the American Humane Society!

Connect with Us:

• Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com
• But For Real on IG: @butforrealpod
• Now That's...